SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it possible to give any idea about how long the whole
process might take?
On average the process takes approximately three - six months
but may vary considerably from candidate to candidate depending on
individual circumstances.
I do not have a driving licence can I still apply to be
a Special Constable?
You do not require a driving licence to become a Special
Constable.
What age do I need to be before I can
apply?
You need to be aged 18 to apply.
I have an overdraft at the bank. Do I need to include
that when providing details about my financial status?
Yes full financial details are requested in the Vetting
Form.
I have a very minor criminal conviction. Do I have to
disclose it?
All civilian or military convictions or cautions, fixed penalty
fines, driving licence endorsements etc, must be disclosed, even if
they would be considered “spent” under the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act. Failure to disclose any convictions or cautions
would usually result in your application being terminated.
My eyesight does not meet your standards and I am
thinking about having laser treatment. What do you
suggest?
Decisions about whether to undergo medical treatment clearly
rest with you. As far as Northern Constabulary is concerned, you
must meet our minimum standard of uncorrected vision. Your
application may be considered 6 weeks after successful laser
surgery.
What is the National Fitness Standard?
Prior to joining Northern Constabulary all applicants are
required to sit and pass The National Fitness Standard. The test
takes place in Inverness on the same day as the medical. Further
information on the Fitness Standard can be obtained from www.northernconstabularycareers.co.uk
Where can get more information and past papers for the
Standard Entrance Test, and how many times can I sit
it?
Sample papers for the Standard Entrance Test (SET) are available
from our website www.northernconstabularycareers.co.uk
If you fail the SET you can ask to re-sit it after 3 months, you
can have 3 attempts in total.
Will my present job stop me from becoming a Special
Constable?
Some jobs may prohibit you from becoming a Special Constable.
Further information can be found on the Fact Sheet.
I have a medical condition, will this stop me from
becoming a Special Constable?
For further information on any medical condition please contact
our Occupational Health provider NHS Trust on 01463 704499
How many hours will I have to work?
The hours of work will be agreed locally, but a commitment of at
least 2 duties per month is expected. In addition to this you will
also be expected to attend local training as required..
How much training do I get?
Before being deployed you will be required to attend a central
Induction programme which will take 5 full days. Thereafter you
will be expected to attend local induction training at the Police
Station on a monthly basis.
Is it possible to talk to someone who is already a
Special Constable?
Yes, if you contact your local station and ask to speak to the
Special constable Co-ordinator they will arrange for you to meet a
serving Special Constable
There are a couple of things I am still unclear about.
Shall I apply and sort them out later?
No, please check through the whole of the information provided
on the website to ensure the information you require is not
contained therein. If matters are still unclear, please ring our
Recruitment Unit on 01463 720318 – it is what we are here for.